Monday, January 30, 2017

Somebody Noticed Me!

So here I am thinking it would probably be overly optimistic to think I have three readers - in other words, feeling kind of lonely here. But then I see this Blogger Recognition Award at Swarm of Chickadees and I think, "Yay, another list where I might find some sewing blogs I didn't know about." So I look at the list and - shock, awe, immense gratitude - my humble little blog is on the list! Thank you so much.

Now there are five things I'm supposed to do.

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to their blog. Done, but thank you again, Swarm of Chickadees.

2. Write a post to show your award. Working on it right now.

3. Give a brief story of how your blog started. I have actually had a blog since 2002. Not a sewing blog, just a place to post whatever comes to mind, including sewing but a year or two ago (I can't remember when exactly) I decided I should have a blog exclusively for sewing so I started by copying some of my favorite sewing posts from my other blog. That's why my archives go back to 2008.

4. Give two pieces of advice to new bloggers. 1. Make sure your blog is easily readable. You could have the greatest blog in the world but if it's difficult to read because of, for example, light gray text on a white background which seems to be strangely popular right now, a lot of people won't be coming back. Also make your photos as large as possible. 2. This is a piece of advice that I really need to remember myself: Don't get discouraged if it seems like nobody notices you. I once read somewhere that 90% of people who read blogs never comment. That sounds like a made up number but I believe it's true that the majority of readers never comment whether it's 90% or 70% or whatever. That doesn't necessarily mean nobody cares about what you're doing. You could have inspired someone and never know it.

5. Select 15 other bloggers you want to give this award to. I don't know if I can do 15; I don't think there are even that many that I regularly read but I'll just start posting my favorites and not even count how many there are.

Cari Homemaker - She's back! She sews and shows off beautiful dresses she makes for herself and clothes she makes for her lovely children.

But It Can't Be From Dolly Clacket, She Gave Me an Easter Egg! - What a curious and interesting blog title. And I love her! Roisin's style is very similar to my summer style and I admire the way she uses novelty prints, something I love but tend to be a bit timid about.

Lucky Lucille - Lots of great stuff even though Rochelle's style differs somewhat from mine. By the way, Lucille is her beautiful dog that she occasionally posts pictures of.

Pretty Grievances - The grand comedienne of the sewing blog world. Everyone knows Anne I'm sure. Also, she's an enabler. I have bought at least one pattern because of her and someday I am actually going to use it.

A Dress a Day - This was the first sewing blog I found and for several years the only one I knew about.

Artful Blasphemy - Colorful and inspiring. I wasn't sure if it's okay to include this one or not as it's more a fashion blog than a sewing blog.

By Gum By Golly - Awesome retro style sewing blog.

Flashback Summer - Another retro and vintage blog.

Oona Balloona - So much personality! I love her!

Living in Color

Wanna Be Sewing Something

A Colorful Canvas

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Roses in the Jungle

It's Jungle January 2017! I honestly didn't think I would be participating this year but I saw this gorgeous print at Girl Charlee so... here we are.

The fabric is a rayon blend knit and I have to confess, I do not enjoy sewing rayon. It's almost like a living thing that's trying to get away from my horrible pins, needles, and scissors. But I couldn't pass this up and I think it turned out okay. It's wearable at least. The pattern is Butterick 5215, plus long sleeves.

It warmed up enough yesterday to go outside without a coat so here's an outdoor pic.

* * * * *

About a couple of background items in the first photo: The piece of furniture is a gate-leg table that my husband built for me. Folded up, as you see it here, it's only 18 inches by 48 inches; open, it is a little over two yards long.

The picture on the wall... I don't usually frame puzzles but this one was a special case. My younger son gave it to me for Christmas over 10 years ago. I can't remember exactly what year. I used to like puzzles but this one was the most difficult I have ever done and I haven't done another since. It took years to finish it and when I finally did I just couldn't take it apart again so I got a frame (which as you can see doesn't fit) and hung it in our spare bedroom which serves as an occasional guest room, play room for the grandkids, craft room, and (mainly) junk room.

Here's a look at the whole thing. Sorry about the glare.

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

It's All About the Fabric

Here it is - my last make of 2016.

I actually finished this, except for the buttons and buttonholes, a couple of weeks before Christmas but didn't get around to that last little detail until a few days after Christmas. The pattern is Simplicity 8166, modified with a standard shirt collar and, of course, pockets. The gorgeous fabric is a Klimt inspired quilting cotton from eQuilter.

Mostly, I love it. A while back I decided I wanted to try wearing leggings and tunics because I thought they would be amazingly comfortable. In reality it hasn't been working out so well. Leggings and the loose tunics like this feel sort of weird and wrong but this is my favorite leggings outfit so far (leggings purchased at a local store) and I'm going to keep trying for a while longer to get used to wearing them.

Here's the back of the tunic. I love everything that's going on in this fabric - so many beautiful colors and interesting shapes.